Xscape Leisure Space Challenge

Business volunteers from Xscape Yorkshire help sixth form students in Wakefield understand the leisure market in Yorkshire and how to create a solid business plan with this exciting challenge.

FOCUS: Help students understand the range of careers available in the leisure and retail industry and how to create a business plan by understanding your target market.

34 students from Minsthorpe College and Wakefield College came to Xscape Yorkshire, the family entertainment destination in Castleford, for a launch event where they were asked to design a new leisure attraction for the centre.

Students attended presentations from the team at Xscape Yorkshire and Lazer Zone before carrying out their own research at some of the centre's top attractions including Cineworld, Prehistoric Golf, Lazer Zone and Ten Pin Bowling.

Each team of students, aged 16 - 18, had around four weeks to complete their plans at college, doing their own research into a range of target markets before developing their final concept, business plan and presentation.

Students then came to Cineworld to pitch their ideas to Garry Long from Lazer Zone, Jade Elliott from Xscape Yorkshire and Darren Winter from neighbouring Junction 32 Outlet Village.

The winning concept was "Cupcake Crazy" where families can bake and decorate their own treats and the team of three winning students received Xscape vouchers and the opportunity to display their work in the centre.

Results

100% students said the challenge gave them a better understanding of leisure and retail

100% students said the challenge helped them better understand how businesses work

96% students said it made them feel more prepared for the world of work